A 24-hour gym proposal is the latest plan to be placed on the table for a prime roadside site on the Angus/Dundee border.
Pure Gym is behind the bid to move into the vacant House of Angus premises at Ethiebeaton beside the Dundee to Arbroath A92 dual carriageway.
Gardening giant Dobbies – which operates a major adjacent outlet – owns the building, but promised investment has failed to materialise since House of Angus shut up shop in 2018.
In its planning statement submitted to Angus Council on behalf of Dobbies, agents Avison Young say they consider the gym proposal “wholly complies” with key policy considerations for a site where shops, food and drink, hotel and leisure uses are considered appropriate.
“Given that the proposals do not include the creation of additional floorspace and simply seek approval to change the use of an existing vacant building, and impact assessment was not considered necessary.”
However, following initial consultation with Angus planners, the applicants completed a sequential approach assessment in relation to a range of properties in Monifieth, Carnoustie and Broughty Ferry to look at potentially viable alternative locations.
Half a dozen vacant premises were ruled out on a variety of grounds, including being too small or not offering House of Angus’ profile.
The applicants said they believe the gym plan is “fully compatible” with the commercial nature of the site.
“It is considered that the proposals could operate within the location 24 hours a day, seven days a week without detriment to the amenity of the area or adjacent occupiers/users.”
Dobbies previously submitted a plan which would have seen the building rebranded as an Edinburgh Woollen Mill destination centre in a £700,000 investment set to create around 40 jobs.
House of Angus was established in 2004, and featured names including golf shop Auchterlonies, which pulled out of the Ethiebeaton Park premises in 2017.
As well as the Dobbies outlet, the Ethiebeaton Park site is also home to a McDonalds restaurant, Premier Inn, Brewer’s Fayre and a David Lloyd leisure complex.
